Braving Trader Joe’s, Wellington: Five things we bought at the new market

I should have brought elbow pads to grand opening weekend at Trader Joe’s in Wellington. But I figured, if I could survive the roller derby scene that is shopping at The Boys market in Delray Beach, I can survive any grocery shopping adventure. Particularly one at Trader Joe’s first Palm Beach County location.

So I joined half of humanity in the fresh, funky market that’s known for its beloved house brand and budget prices. My foray into the crush of shopping carts yielded $70.01 worth of groceries. Here are five of the items that caught my eye and wallet:

Trader Joe’s opened its first Palm Beach County market Friday, May 16, in Wellington. Here’s what made it into our shopping cart. (Photos by Liz Balmaseda)

NEW MEXICO PIÑON COFFEE

Love this Albuquerque-based brand, which adds New Mexican piñon nuts to high-altitude Arabica beans for a rich, nutty flavor. $6.99

TRADER JOE’S CHEDDAR & HORSERADISH POTATO CHIPS

Cheddar meets tangy horseradish for a match made in chip heaven. $1.99

TRADER JOE’S DUKKAH

This is Trader Joe’s take on a traditional Egyptian nut, seed and spice blend. It’s a genius product that combines sesame seeds, almonds, fennel and other great notes. I added a good pinch to homemade carrot-ginger soup for a new layer of flavor. And it’s delicious sprinkled over soft boiled eggs. $2.99

TRADER JOE’S LEMON PEPPER PAPPARDELLE

Thick-cut pasta that’s infused with lemon and pepper – what’s not to love? (I hope it’s as good as it sounds.) $2.29

TWO BUCK CHUCK

This is arguably Trader Joe’s best-known product, the market’s Charles Shaw blend of wines that range from chardonnay to merlot to cab to shiraz. These are easy-drinking wines at a hard-to-beat price. $2.99